Severe gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to call off over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
